Originally debuted during the halftime ceremony to retire his Nos. 8 and 24 jerseys at Staples Center, the short was directed by Glean Keane, while John Williams composed the score. Bryant served as the screenwriter and executive producer.

The animated film was based off the poem Bryant penned to formally announce his retirement from the NBA after 20 seasons. He becomes the first former professional athlete to win an Oscar Award.

Bryant echoed that message during his acceptance speech. “As basketball players we’re really supposed to just shut up and dribble,” Bryant said on stage. “But I’m glad we do a little bit more than that.”

Since creating “Dear Basketball,” Bryant has produced multiple videos for his MuseCage Basketball Network. Through his studio, Granity Studios, he also partnered with ESPN on a 15-episode series that’s set to premiere this month.